Abstract

The effects of triethylbenzylammonium chloride (TEBACl) on the electrowinning of zinc from acidic sulfate solutions have been studied in the presence and absence of antimony(III). The factors considered included the current efficiency (CE), power consumption, polarisation behaviour, and the crystallographic orientations and surface morphology of the deposits. Compared with the traditional industrial additive, glue, the addition of TEBACl increased CE, reduced power consumption and improved the surface morphology. Maximum CE and minimum power consumption were obtained at 2mg dm-3 TEBACl and 0.01 mg dm-3 Sb(III). The exchange current density, Tafel slope and transfer coefficient were determined to elucidate the nature of the electrode reactions involved.